Naga College Foundation is again beaming with pride as one of its own was honored Bicolano Artist in Theater Arts for 2009.  Dr. William M. Espejo, NCF Director of the Center for Culture, Arts & Bicol Studies was chosen as one of the top artists in the region.

Sir William, as he is known at NCF, is the youngest amongst his seven siblings.  He is the son of Mrs. Concepcion Espejo and Mr. Jose Espejo Sr, a retired Security Guard.  Finances were tough and yet the young William pursued to enroll at Naga College Foundation for his secondary schooling.  Truly an artist, he was a member of the NCF Concert & Marching Band when he was a High School Sophomore.  Still at Naga College Foundation, he continued his tertiary studies and took up AB Filipino.  Sir William was an art aficionado and wanted to be evident in his dramatic skills.  It was at the Philippine Normal University where he took up a Masters Degree in Drama & Theater Arts. A true NCean by heart, he came back to his roots and pursued his Doctorate Degree in his Alma Mater.

Now, armed with various distinctions and awards, Dr. William M. Espejo has already numerous performances and credits under his belt.  But Sir William is not the pompous type.  In fact, glamorous as the theater may be, Sir William chose to be down to earth and unpretentious.  He always looked-up to the late NCF Founder, Dr. Melchor T. Villanueva or Lolo Mel, as his inspiration.  From Lolo Mel he learned the value of helping others, dedication and hard work.  Sir William has been serving NCF for more than 20 years and has sustained the traditional arts through the modern times.  He practices what is called ‘Educational Theater’ where he not only develops shows but involves the community (in this case, the students) to participate in such.  Hence through the years of devotion to the Blessed Lady of Peñafrancia and the ‘Passion of Christ’, Sir William involved students to this holy oath.  He has been featuring the ‘INA Play’ for 13 years now and the ‘Sinakulo or Passion of Christ Play’ for 12 years to date.  This he does as an extension service to the community where he not only contributes to the entertainment and devotion of Bicolanos but also teaches his students the dedication to his work or craft.

Like all artists, Sir William is not immune to critics.  However, “it is the way of living up to those detractors that would make you a complete and fulfilled performer”, he said.  And yes, Dr. William M. Espejo is living a fruitful life as he is in fact happy and content with what he has accomplished and what he still plans to do – to continue in his craft as a way of helping students and NCF as a whole.

By: Ma. Shielo J. Villanueva
2009-09-08 00:00:00

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